Use Reamer before or after paint job

[simalarion]

I always used the Reamer when paint job was done so far, but is it not better to make the hole first?.

I ask because it may be a issue with the plastic foil on the Lexan. What would make it easier is to see right away where the holes must be, then wash the body in soap when done.

What you say?

[David B]

I've always made the holes before painting.

[Andylincs]

I always do it before paint that way I can actually see the posts and make sure everything’s lined up correctly. Most if not all tamiya bodys have a little dimple in the lexan for the location of post’s anyway, then just put a-bit of masking tape over the hole on the outside of body to stop any overspray if it does tear the protective layer. 

[Willy iine]

For me it hasn't really mattered.. only for fitment purposes on custom installations I do it while I can still see through the body to aim the body post holes.  

[simalarion]

Thank you for confirming, i have done my fair share off mistakes with paint jobs already, so wanted to go ahead of myself this time

Wether had been terrible all week for painting tough, to cold & rain. I got the paints needed this week so ready to go

[Superluminal]

For me always before painting - i have had the paint locally separate around a hole in a painted body before which left a strange looking semi translucent patch where it had become un bonded from the lexan. Theres also the risk of accidently scratching the paint when using any tools on the body.

[David B]

3 hours ago, simalarion said:

Thank you for confirming, i have done my fair share off mistakes with paint jobs already, so wanted to go ahead of myself this time

Wether had been terrible all week for painting tough, to cold & rain. I got the paints needed this week so ready to go

We've all been there. Back in the 80's when I got my first lexan body and wasn't much for reading instructions and there was no internet, I painted it on the outside with a standard spray can 

[ChrisRx718]

Never underestimate a small hand drill for making holes too - with lexan it's very easy to make the holes too big. Using a hand drill / chuck it's very easy to go through lexan with some decent sharp bits (cheap). Then you can create a hole to the exact size needed without the risk. Don't use a powered drill / dremel as it's all too easy for the bit to wander over the smooth surface and then you'll be left with no option but to swear at yourself. 

[joeling]

3 hours ago, David B said:

We've all been there. Back in the 80's when I got my first lexan body and wasn't much for reading instructions and there was no internet, I painted it on the outside with a standard spray can 

I did the same. Metallic green hotshot body. Funny how I can still remember